A WAY THROUGH THIS
MIDDLESBROUGH v BRISTOL CITY
Jonathan Way, 30 Jan 2010
Consistency...
After our fantastic 4-1 victory over Doncaster Rovers, Boro now have to capitalise on their great result by going on a run to push back up the table. Despite an injury stricken squad, Strachan managed to record his third win as manager, using seven academy products in the process.
Since being the first side to beat Middlesbrough this campaign back in August, Gary Johnson's side went on to lose just one of their next 11 fixtures. However, the Robins have come under a lot of pressure lately, having won just two league games since October.
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Jonathan Grounds v Louis Carey
Grounds - Having been brought in by Gordon to replace the injured Riggott, Grounds put in a brilliant performance at the Keepmoat Stadium as he started his ninth match of the season. Our academy graduate certainly impressed all the Boro fans, as he started his first game since early November at Crystal Palace.
Carey - Carey and the rest of the City defence will probably still be having nightmares of Tuesday night, as his side were demolished 6-0 at home by Cardiff City. Having returned to Ashton Gate in 2005, the 32 year old went on to become the fifth player to make 500 appearances for the club.
Gary O'Neil v Cole Skuse
O'Neil - Despite known interest from Blackburn, the Middlesbrough captain has continued to play with the same effort and skill that he's played with for all of the campaign. O'Neil will definitely know the importance of a win from this fixture, after last time when we got thumped 3-0 at home by Blackpool.
Skuse - Since coming through the Robin's academy, Skuse has become a major part of Johnson's side and helped them gain promotion to the Championship in 2007. The 23-year-old, who can play in either midfield or defence for City, was one of their better players in midweek, despite their humiliating result.
Adam Johnson v Jamal Campbell-Ryce
Johnson - Magic Johnson showed the football world once again just how amazing he is. An assist and two goals of absolute class secured the Teessider's all three points and left Johno's future in question. Now with 12 goals for the season, hopefully the club are pulling out all the stops to tie down a deal for our influential winger.
Campbell-Ryce - The Jamaican international completed a move to Ashton Gate 11 days ago, in a two-and-a-half year deal from Barnsley. Now appearing for his 10th career club, Campbell-Ryce had a tough start to life at Bristol City, making his debut against Cardiff, but put in a decent display for his new side.
Jonathan Franks v Nicky Maynard
Franks - In just his second start of the campaign, the 19 year old scored his first senior goal as he secured Middlesbrough a 2-0 half time lead. Unfortunate to have been substituted shortly after the break, Franks' goal will hopefully have now given him the confidence to grab his second against Bristol City this weekend.
Maynard - The Robin's top scorer has been in great form this season, hitting 11 goals to date, but is still looking for his first goal this year. Having scored both goals in our previous meeting in the campaign, Maynard will be hoping his side can repeat their last minute winner at the Riverside.
Gary Johnson will certainly make sure his side give something for their fans to cheer about this weekend after their midweek result. Having kept just 1 clean sheet in their last 15 fixtures, there's bound to be goals in this tightly contested match.
Following our great midweek result, I think we will secure our first consecutive victories since September with a 2-1 win to push us closer to a play-off place.
